Supply chain analysis and value addition in mango production and processing

Abstract:

"Between the mango tree and the consumer's table lies a chain of hands, each taking its share and often adding little value." This old observation from South Asian fruit traders encapsulates the inefficiency that still characterises many mango supply chains today. This research mapped supply chain channels, quantified marketing margins, and assessed value addition opportunities in mango production and processing, drawing on survey data from 180 supply chain actors across five marketing channels in Wielkopolska region. The producer's share of the consumer price ranged from 28.4% in the longest channel to 54.7% in direct-to-consumer sales. Storage and cold chain costs accounted for the largest share of total marketing costs (27.3%), followed by transport (22.8%). Value-added products (mango pulp, dried mango, juice) commanded 2.4-3.8 times the price of fresh fruit. Marketing efficiency was highest in channels with fewer intermediaries and cold chain integration. Investment in processing infrastructure at the farm-gate level could capture an additional 35-45% of value currently lost to intermediaries and spoilage.